Israel killed a senior Hamas commander in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza City on Saturday, according to Israeli officials. The commander, Raed Saad, headed weapons production for Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
Raed Saad Eliminated in Gaza Strike
In a joint statement, the Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency announced the “elimination” of Raed Saad. Saad was a prominent Qassam commander and led several brigades during Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israeli communities.
Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Hamas-run Civil Defence, reported that four people were killed in the strike, with multiple passers-by also injured. A local Hamas official added that Saad’s aide and another lower-ranking official, Abu Imad al-Laban, were also killed.
The BBC noted it is prevented by Israel from independently reporting from inside Gaza and cannot verify details of the incident.
Israeli officials stated Saad was responsible for the deaths of many Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip as a result of explosive devices. He was also believed to be a member of the newly formed five-member leadership military council established after the October ceasefire.
Israel had previously attempted to kill Saad, most recently during a raid in Gaza City in March 2024, where he reportedly escaped capture. He has been a target for more than two decades.
Context of the Strike and Broader Peace Plan
Saturday’s attack occurred on the Palestinian-controlled side of the “Yellow Line” dividing Gaza, established following an unstable US-led ceasefire on October 10. Israeli forces control the area east of the line, encompassing just over half of the Gaza Strip.
The initial phase of a US peace plan, proposed by President Donald Trump, called for the return of all hostages taken during the October 7 attack on southern Israel. Approximately 1,200 people were killed in the attack, and over 250 were taken hostage. All hostages have been returned except for the remains of Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer.
Since the October 7 attack, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
The diplomatic focus is now shifting to the next stage of Trump’s plan, which involves the disarmament of Hamas and the “de-radicalisation and redevelopment of Gaza.” The plan envisions a “temporary transitional governance” by a technocratic Palestinian committee, overseen by a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump.
Security would be provided by an International Stabilisation Force, the composition of which remains unclear. The ultimate goal is for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take control, with Israeli forces withdrawing, potentially leading to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
The plan faces controversy in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected calls for a Palestinian state. Trump is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on December 29 to discuss the plan.
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